NCJ Number
91568
Date Published
1983
Length
212 pages
Annotation
The victims of crime should be encouraged to participate in the criminal justice system process. Criminal justice officials must be firmly committed to communicating to victims what is happening to 'their' case.
Abstract
The report outlines the social, economic, legal, and constitutional background of issues relating to victims and the present relationship between the state, the offender, and the victim. It explores both the varied and the common needs of victims and indicates the range of services which could be established to meet those needs. It addresses the question of the role of victims, their rights, and the extent to which the offender should make restitution to the victim and/or the extent to which compensation to the victim should be provided by the state. Also discussed is the issue of costs and funding. The report describes legislation pertaining directly to victims and outlines programs which presently exist to serve them. Specific recommendations for improving the situation for victims focus on prompt return of property, restitution, criminal injuries compensation, victim impact statements, protection from intimidation, in-camera hearings, the elderly, children, general services, assaulted wives, sexual assault victims, families of homicide victims, provision of information, and costs and funding. Appendixes present examples of program costs and types and examples of service available to victims.